Loaded at Running Back – The Texas Longhorns Three-Headed Attack

Last year, we were fortunate enough to have a three-headed backfield that would be the envy of any program in the nation. Johnathan Gray, Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron each had their moments and showed “No. 1 guy” potential. Well, all three of these guys are back this fall and ready to deliver.

Opposing defensive coordinators are going to have some sleepless nights. [s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level2)]

 

Johnathan Gray

Johnathan Gray is the starter and he is in complete control. It is his job to lose.

Down the stretch, it was Gray who saw most of the carries. He’s fast, he is elusive and if he gets to the corner, he can take it to the house. While he has yet to be added to any preseason “watch lists” (like some of his other teammates) people have definitely taken notice and expect big things out of Gray in 2013.

Ask anyone to pick one thing that they do not like about Gray and they will likely point to his size. Looking at Bergeron and Brown, it’s easy to understand. Gray has worked his tail off in the off-season. He has added more weight, and he is ready to put to rest any doubts about his size.

You will see him run the ball early and often and finish in the red-zone. You can take that to the bank.

 

Malcolm Brown

When Malcolm Brown came to Austin in 2011, many people were excited. Some even compared him to Earl Campbell. Talk about pressure!  Injuries have derailed the “second coming of Earl Campbell” train, but make no mistake. Brown is a top-tier back when healthy.

After rushing for 742 yards and five touchdowns his freshman season, Brown played in 7 games (in 2012) and was ‘featured’ in only two. This spring he was back and the coaches took notice. His ankle looks healed and he is running downfield with authority. You can’t coach speed … but you can’t coach ‘tough’ either and this kid is tough as nails.  Coach Mack Brown would be best suited to get this guy as many touches as possible.

He may not be the featured back, but he’s going to get his chances. We can’t wait to see what he does with the ball in his hand.

 

Joe Bergeron

Joe Bergeron is another guy who will see his share of touches this year. Bergeron is an absolute workhorse. Last season he ran for 567 yards and 16 touchdowns … most of which came in short-yardage. That is where he shines. He runs over and through anyone brave enough to stand in his way.

Bergeron is a punishing back, so injuries are to be expected, but he has stayed relatively healthy and free from the debilitating injuries that have bothered Brown.While he is not a threat to ‘take it to the house’, if you give him the ball at the 1, he is going to put it in the end zone.

He is the type of back that every team needs … a tough, downhill runner who can get the tough yards.

By the looks of it, Mack Brown has some amazing talent to work with. Some say that Mack Brown will lead Texas back to greatness. If this is the year, it is likely that these 3 running backs will have a lot to do with it.

Source: Kris Hughes/Rant Sports

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